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Who Are the Top Contenders for Hillary Clinton’s Vice President Pick?

For months now, many have wondered whom Hillary Clinton will ultimately choose as her running mate. But as the Democratic National Convention draws nearer (the big event takes place on July 25 in Philadelphia), speculation about her vice presidential pick has only intensified. Even though it seems like every day brings about a new potential VP candidate, four names have emerged as the overwhelming favorites. While we wait for Clinton’s big announcement ahead of the convention, here, we take a look at the top VP contenders of the moment and break down the pros and cons of each potential candidate.

Hillary ClintonPhoto: Melina Mara / Getty Images

Who:Senator Elizabeth WarrenWhy: The senior senator of Massachusetts and former Harvard Law professor is currently one of the most popular Democratic politicians. A champion of Main Street voters and an advocate for financial reform, Warren’s tough stance on Wall Street is sure to win over Bernie Sanders supporters who have had doubts that Clinton is too cozy with Wall Street. She’s also one of the most vocal critics of Donald Trump, especially on Twitter, the preferred battleground of the Republican presidential candidate.

Why not: While many voters would love to see history made twice by voting for an all-female presidential ticket, there are worries that choosing Warren as VP will alienate male swing voters. There’s also the concern of taking Warren out of the Senate, which could leave her seat open for a Republican successor in a year in which the Democratic Party is trying to take back the Senate.

Julian CastroPhoto: Erich Schlegel / Getty Images

Who: Secretary of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Julián CastroWhy: The former mayor of San Antonio rose to prominence after becoming the first Latino politician to deliver the keynote speech during the Democratic National Convention of 2012. His background and photogenic allure is sure to appeal to the fast-growing contingent of Latino voters.

Why not: At 41, some worry Castro doesn’t have enough experience to bring to the job. But then again, President Obama was elected into the White House at 47, proving that in Washington, young age isn’t necessarily a deal breaker.

Tim KainePhoto: Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

Who: Senator Timothy KaineWhy: Not only was Kaine one of the earliest supporters of Hillary Clinton—he announced he was backing her almost a year before she declared she was running—he’s also the senator of Virginia, a key election swing state. Plus, his Catholic background and fluency in Spanish will probably fare well with both more conservative and Latino voters.

Why not: Having served as a mayor, governor, and senator, Kaine is one of the most experienced contenders for the job. But his résumé might not work in his favor in this particular election, in which Clinton has been criticized for being too much a part of the D.C. establishment.

Photo by Angelo Merendino / Getty Images

Who: Senator Sherrod BrownWhy: There’s a saying in Washington during an election year: “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.” As the senator of this crucial swing state, picking Brown for VP would be a smart political move. But it doesn’t all come down to numbers; at 63, Brown has the experience as well as the populist appeal that will surely attract those voters who are still feeling the Bern.

Why not: As with Warren, many are worried that Brown vacating a seat in swingy Ohio might diminish the chance of the Democrats gaining back control of the Senate. Therefore, moving him into the White House seems slightly less likely than with other potential VP picks.